Developing an Effective Career Search Strategy

by

Carl J. Wellenstein

22nd Annual ACFE Fraud ConferenceJune 12 – 17, 2011

San Diego, California1

Career Stage Differences

Early stage of your career

• Education & qualifications are key

Mid-Career

• Experience is key

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Employment MaximsEarly stage of your career

During strong employment

• Employers are competing

• Employers are more flexible

During weak employment

• Employees are competing

• Employers more restrictive3

Employment MaximsMid-Career

During Strong Employment

• Employers more flexible

• More employee job movement

During Weak Employment

• Employers inflexible – Perfect profile

• Limited employee job movement

• Referrals from contacts crucial4

How Employers Find Employees

1. Promote or transfer

2. Someone external they already know

3. Recommended by another employee

4. Recommended by known relationship

5. Individual in transition initiated contact

6. Employer advertises / uses recruiter(s)

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Verbal Business Card

Position

Industry

Location

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Employer / Job Search Focus

7

Networking IOU

Initiate - Relationships with others

Obtain - Information/help/contacts

Use – Get effective referrals to people in targeted companies

IOU is a reminder to thank all those who helped you get what you want.

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Conversation Key Points

Verbal business card• Position• Industry• Location

What you are best at doingStory that demonstrates what you are best at doing

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Resumes / CV

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Resumes / CV Content

Your brochure

Must be in sync with your VBC

Key capabilities

Demonstrate key capabilities - Stories

Chronological career history

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Key Questions and Answers

They—Why should we hire you?1. Can you do what we want you to do?2. Will you fit in with our culture?3. Do I believe what you are telling me?

You—Why you should hire me!

What do you bring to the table that they want and need?

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